Local operator algebras of changed states in gauge theory and gravity

by Massimo Porrati (New York University (US))

Tuesday 5 Aug 2025, 15:45 → 17:30 Europe/Zurich

4/2-037 - TH meeting room (CERN)

Powerful techniques have been developed in quantum field theory that employ algebras of local operators, yet local operators cannot create physical charged states in gauge theory or physical nonzero-energy states in perturbative quantum gravity. Common methods to obtain physical operators destroy locality and other properties of the local algebra. In this talk, an alternative approach to the definition of physical charged operators is presented. It employs an automorphism that maps the algebra of local charged operators into a (non-local) algebra of physical charged operators while preserving many properties of local algebras. The automorphism is described by a formally unitary intertwiner, which maps the exact BRS operator associated to the gauge symmetry into its quadratic part. Relations to other definitions of gauge invariant operators, available in massive gauge theories, and applications to TTbar deformations will be discussed, together with the obstruction to a formal construction of physical states.